Sal: All inclusive Salt Lake, Natural pools and Shark Bay

Travelers looking for a taste of Cape Verde’s wild, unspoiled beauty will find this private half-day tour on Sal Island a compelling option. With a local guide at your side, you’ll explore some of the most striking natural sights — from the incredible Blue Eye to the salty depths of Pedra de Lume, and the fascinating Shark Bay.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the personalized nature of the trip offers flexibility and insight you rarely get on larger group tours. Second, the authenticity — visiting places like the salt lake and seeing lemon sharks in their habitat — feels genuinely immersive. Lastly, the stunning scenery across desert landscapes, shimmering salt flats, and azure pools keeps every moment visually engaging.

A potential concern? The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and the day involves a fair amount of walking and water activities, so it might not suit all travelers. Still, it’s an ideal choice for those who enjoy a blend of adventure and relaxation, especially if you’re eager to see Cape Verde’s natural side beyond the beaches.

This tour suits travelers wanting a flexible, private, and deeply visual experience of Sal’s most iconic landscapes — perfect for nature lovers and curious explorers alike.

Key Points

• Personalized and private experience with exclusive transportation and guide
• Visit key highlights: Blue Eye, salt lake, natural pools, Shark Bay
• Includes all entrance fees and skip-the-line tickets for a hassle-free day
• Authentic encounters like floating in the salt lake and observing lemon sharks
• Comfortable logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Suitable for most travelers—not wheelchair accessible, water shoes recommended

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Tour

This private excursion maximizes your time on Sal Island, blending scenic views with genuine natural encounters. It’s structured as a half-day trip, allowing you to experience some of the most unique sights without feeling rushed.

The day begins with a convenient hotel pickup, taking you into the heart of Sal’s desert landscapes. Your guide, a local expert, will tailor the pace and help you uncover the stories behind each stop. The trip is priced at $293 for up to two people, which, when considering the exclusivity, skip-the-line access, and personalized service, offers decent value—especially for a memorable, tailored experience.

Exploring the Salt Lake of Pedra de Lume

Your first stop is the world-famous Salinas salt lake in Pedra de Lume. Known as the second saltiest water body on Earth after the Dead Sea, it’s a highlight for many visitors. Here, you can lie back and effortlessly float on the salty waters — no swimming skills needed.

One reviewer, Silvia, highlights that “we had the salt lake to ourselves, which was amazing,” emphasizing how peaceful and uncrowded this spot can be. The salt’s natural exfoliating properties also leave your skin feeling smooth and refreshed afterward. The lake’s terrain is stark and bright, offering a surreal landscape perfect for photos.

The Fascinating Blue Eye and Its Natural Pool

Next, you’re heading to Buracona, home to the Blue Eye — one of the island’s seven wonders. This volcanic crater, with its clear blue waters, creates a striking visual contrast against the black lava rocks. It’s a natural spectacle that’s well worth the visit.

In good conditions, you’ll have time to swim in the natural pool, which is renowned for its mesmerizing color and calming waters. One reviewer, Maelle, appreciated the guide’s effort to help avoid crowds, making her experience more relaxed. The “Blue Eye” also offers a great spot for photos, especially if you catch it when the sunlight hits just right.

Miragem and the Water Illusions

After Blue Eye, your guide takes you to Miragem, where you’ll witness the elusive Fata Morgana effect—an optical illusion caused by the desert’s temperature differences. This adds a touch of mystery and wonder, as water appears to float or shimmer in unusual ways.

This stop also allows you to enjoy panoramic views of Murdeira Bay and the dramatic Lion Mountain. These vistas are perfect for snapping memorable shots and soaking in the tranquility of the Cape Verdean landscape.

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Shark Bay and Lemon Sharks in Action

The finale is a visit to Shark Bay, where you’ll encounter lemon sharks in their natural habitat. This is one of the tour’s most unique features — observing these sharks safely from a designated swimming area.

Many reviewers, like Kiki, the guide, make the experience enjoyable and insightful. One guest, Jorge, specifically mentions being “looked after very well” and appreciating the guide’s knowledge. Expect to see these sharks up close, but in a controlled environment that prioritizes safety.

A small fee is mentioned for water shoes, which are recommended for this part of the tour, as the shoreline can be rocky and slippery.

Additional Details and Practical Tips

The entire experience lasts approximately half a day, making it an ideal option if you’re short on time but eager to explore. Transportation is private, with an air-conditioned vehicle, making the journey comfortable even in the heat. The tour is suitable for most travelers, though it’s not wheelchair accessible, and some walking is involved.

What to bring? Pack your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, waterproof camera, and flip-flops or water shoes to ensure comfort during water activities. Luggage or large bags are not permitted, so travel light.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, often mentioning them by name — Jackson and Kiki notably stand out. Their local insights and relaxed attitude help make the trip both fun and informative.

The ability to customize the experience, avoid crowds, and have the flexibility to swim or relax at your pace is a recurring theme. One traveler remarked, “the private tour meant we could do it at our own pace,” highlighting how valuable that flexibility is.

Analyzing the Value

At $293 for up to two people, you’re paying for exclusivity, convenience, and authenticity. The all-inclusive nature, including skip-the-line tickets and entry fees, reduces hassle and ensures smooth transitions between sights. For travelers seeking a personalized, immersive encounter with Sal’s natural beauty, this trip offers solid value.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for nature lovers eager to see Cape Verde’s lesser-known natural wonders. It’s perfect if you prefer a private, flexible itinerary and enjoy water activities, especially floating in the salty lake or observing sea life in Shark Bay.

While not suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users, the tour offers plenty of opportunities for photography and relaxation in stunning surroundings. If you’re after a memorable day exploring unique landscapes and wildlife with an expert guide, this is a winning choice.

Final Thoughts

This private Sal Island tour packs in some of Cape Verde’s most captivating natural attractions into half a day. The combination of beautiful scenery, engaging guides, and authentic experiences makes it a compelling option. Whether you’re floating in the salt lake, marveling at Blue Eye, or observing sharks in their habitat, each moment feels meaningful and well-curated.

The flexibility and personalized service elevate this beyond typical group excursions, allowing you to enjoy Cape Verde’s natural riches at your own pace. While a bit pricier than some group options, the privacy, expert guidance, and exclusive access justify the cost for many travelers.

If you’re seeking a genuinely immersive and visually stunning adventure that moves beyond the beaches, this tour offers a memorable taste of Sal’s wild side. It suits those who want a mix of relaxation, education, and a touch of thrill — truly an authentic Cape Verdean experience.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but since it involves some walking and water activities, younger children should be supervised. It’s not explicitly designed for very young kids or those with mobility issues.

Are water shoes necessary?
Water shoes are recommended for Shark Bay to avoid slipping or hurting your feet on rocks. They can be rented on-site for about 2 euros if you don’t bring your own.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately half a day, giving ample time to visit each site without feeling rushed.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling equipment?
The tour includes swim experiences in the natural pools and salt lake, but it doesn’t specify if snorkeling gear is provided. Bringing waterproof cameras is suggested for capturing underwater moments.

Is the tour inclusive of all entrance fees?
Yes, all entrance fees for Blue Eye, Salinas, and other sites are included, along with taxes and skip-the-line tickets to streamline your experience.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, your guide can tailor the pace and focus on your interests, within the scope of the listed highlights.

What should I pack for the trip?
Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, waterproof camera, flip-flops or water shoes, and a camera are essential. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

Is there any age restriction?
Most travelers can join, but the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and participants should be comfortable with water activities and walking.

This private tour on Sal Island offers a fantastic way to connect with Cape Verde’s natural beauty in a relaxed, personalized setting. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, these sights promise memorable moments and authentic experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here: